# Lincoln Experimental Satellite 8

> former American communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q122980673](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122980673)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lincoln-experimental-satellite-8

## Summary
Lincoln Experimental Satellite 8 (LES-8) was a former American communications satellite launched in 1976 as part of the Lincoln Experimental Satellite program. It was designed to demonstrate experimental technologies and operated in geostationary orbit using nuclear power from radioisotope thermoelectric generators.

## Key Facts
- Launched on March 15, 1976 at 01:25:40 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- Operated by both the United States Air Force and MIT Lincoln Laboratory
- Weighed 454 kilograms at launch
- Powered by two MHW-RTG radioisotope thermoelectric generators providing 308 watts total
- Launched aboard a Titan IIIC rocket (Transtage 3C-30)
- Operated in geostationary orbit
- Decommissioned on June 2, 2004 after 28 years of service
- Part of the Lincoln Experimental Satellite series (LES-6 through LES-9)
- Also known by aliases including LES8, SESP P74-1A, ST 74-1A, and P74-1A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Lincoln Experimental Satellite 8?
A: LES-8 was a technology demonstration spacecraft designed to test experimental communications technologies in geostationary orbit. It was part of a series of satellites built by MIT Lincoln Laboratory for the United States Air Force.

### Q: How was Lincoln Experimental Satellite 8 powered?
A: LES-8 was powered by two MHW-RTG (Multi-Hundred Watt Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator) units, which used nuclear power to provide 308 watts of electricity for the spacecraft's systems.

### Q: When was Lincoln Experimental Satellite 8 launched and decommissioned?
A: LES-8 was launched on March 15, 1976, and operated for nearly 28 years before being decommissioned on June 2, 2004, making it one of the longest-operating experimental satellites.

## Why It Matters
Lincoln Experimental Satellite 8 represents a significant milestone in the development of long-duration space communications technology. As one of the first satellites to use nuclear power for sustained operations in geostationary orbit, it demonstrated the viability of radioisotope thermoelectric generators for deep-space and high-latitude applications where solar power is insufficient. The satellite's 28-year operational lifespan provided valuable data on the long-term performance of experimental communications systems and nuclear power sources in the space environment. Its success helped pave the way for future military and civilian satellites that require reliable, long-term power sources independent of solar energy. The LES-8 program also strengthened the partnership between MIT Lincoln Laboratory and the United States Air Force in developing advanced space-based communications capabilities.

## Notable For
- One of the first satellites to use nuclear power (RTG) for geostationary operations
- Achieved nearly 28 years of operational service, demonstrating exceptional longevity
- Part of the pioneering Lincoln Experimental Satellite series that advanced military communications technology
- Successfully demonstrated experimental technologies that influenced future satellite designs
- Operated by both military and academic institutions (USAF and MIT Lincoln Laboratory)

## Body
### Technical Specifications
LES-8 was a 454-kilogram communications satellite launched as part of the Lincoln Experimental Satellite program. The spacecraft was designed and built by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and operated jointly by the United States Air Force and MIT Lincoln Laboratory.

### Power System
The satellite utilized two MHW-RTG (Multi-Hundred Watt Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator) units as its primary power source, providing a total of 308 watts of electrical power. This nuclear power system allowed LES-8 to operate independently of solar energy, making it suitable for geostationary orbit where eclipse periods occur.

### Launch and Orbit
LES-8 was launched on March 15, 1976, at 01:25:40 UTC aboard a Titan IIIC launch vehicle using a Transtage 3C-30 upper stage. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The satellite was placed in geostationary orbit, where it remained operational for nearly three decades.

### Mission Duration and Legacy
The satellite operated successfully for 28 years before being decommissioned on June 2, 2004. Its long operational life provided valuable data on the performance of experimental communications systems and nuclear power sources in space. LES-8 was part of a series that included LES-6 through LES-9, representing a significant advancement in military space communications technology.

### Classification and Purpose
LES-8 served dual purposes as both a communications satellite and a technology demonstration spacecraft. It was designed to test experimental technologies that would influence the development of future military and civilian satellite communications systems.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/les-8.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nuke.fas.org/space/bennett0706.pdf)
4. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_stage/transtage.htm)